Colorado Rockies / MLB

Rockies infielder Chris Nelson returns to team after medical scare

LOS ANGELES — Chris Nelson never felt dizzy. He never was jittery. But he knew something was wrong, practically feeling his heart beating through his chest.

He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, and it was shocked back into rhythm.

"It felt normal right after that," Nelson said. "It was amazing."

After missing 17 games, Nelson completed a rehab assignment and rejoined the Rockies on Monday, replacing Todd Helton. Nelson started at second base. He has had to make few concessions thanks to his medical scare, save for an improved diet and dramatically less caffeine.

Rotating tires. The plan is to stick with the current four starters — Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Jeff Francis and Tyler Chatwood — though adjustments in the schedule could be made going forward. Even in the four-man staff, Pomeranz has yet to pitch on three days of rest by design.

Jhoulys Chacin (pectoral) made another rehab start in Double-A Tulsa on Monday.

Footnotes. Outfielder Andre Ethier was given a planned rest day given Pomeranz's effectiveness against left-handers, according to Dodgers manager Don Mattingly. ... The Diamondbacks claimed former Rockies catcher Wil Nieves on waivers. ... As the Rockies look for pieces that fit going forward, Yorvit Torrealba, whom the Rangers designated for assignment, is worth keeping an eye on. Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post

Rockies are on pace to lose 93 games this seasonThe Rockies lost three of four in St. Louis and are on pace to lose 93 games as they come home for a three-game series with Seattle before going back on the road again to face Washington.